Readers interested in American history, Civil War history, or the ethnic history of Detroit will appreciate the full picture of the time period Taylor presents in "Old Slow Town."

Contains brief biographies of members of Congress from Michigan, elective state officers, justices of the State Supreme Court, members of the Legislature, members of the Board of Regents at the University of Michigan, the State Board of Education, and the State Board of Agriculture. The work revises and expands an earlier publication, Early History of Michigan, with Biographies of State Officers, Members of Congress, Judges and Legislators. Much of the other information here was obtained from the Michigan Manual's several editions. Each entry gives the individual's place of birth, detailed educational background (including early schooling), and a history of his career. Genealogical and personal information occasionally supplements other data.